In the U.S., electric car sales rose to 1.6 million in 2024. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, more drivers are discovering that these innovative cars can experience serious defects. EVs are still relatively new pieces of technology, and like many new technologies, they don’t always provide the same kind of reliability as the products they aim to replace.
Fortunately, lemon laws give EV drivers the right to appropriate compensation if their vehicle has a warranty-covered defect that isn’t repaired after a reasonable number of attempts (or within a reasonable timeframe).
If you purchased or leased an electric car that constantly needs repairs, you may qualify for relief. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between lemon laws and electric vehicles.
Do Lemon Laws Apply to Electric Cars?
Yes. Lemon laws cover electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Lemon laws vary by state, but most statutes require that:
- The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The manufacturer or authorized repair center has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to fix the issue (or the vehicle has been out of service for an extended period).
- The defect in question substantially affects its safety, use, or value.
Because EVs use complex electrical and software systems, some issues can be harder to identify and fix. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced lemon law lawyer as soon as you start having repeated issues with your vehicle.
Common Defects in Electric Vehicles
While fully electric vehicles don’t have engines or transmissions like gas cars, they still have mechanical and electronic components that can fail. Common issues that lead to electric car lemon law claims include:
Battery and Range Problems
Batteries are the biggest difference between traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs) and EVs. For this reason, it makes sense that batteries are also some of the most likely components to be defective.
Electric vehicle batteries densely pack immense amounts of energy into a relatively small package. In rare cases, manufacturing defects have led these batteries to catch fire, costing automakers billions of dollars.
Some battery-related issues that might lead to a lemon law claim include:
- Battery overheating or thermal runaway
- Rapid loss of driving range
- Failure to hold a charge or recharge properly
- Issues with power delivery that impact acceleration
These issues can significantly reduce the usability and value of your vehicle, often requiring costly battery replacement.
Charging System Failures
Some significant charging problems you might encounter as an EV owner include:
- Incompatible or malfunctioning charging ports
- The vehicle is unable to charge
- Inconsistent connection with home chargers or public charging stations
A defective charging system can make your EV unreliable for daily use.
Electrical and Software Malfunctions
EVs rely heavily on software, which opens them up to different types of defects than those seen in gas-powered cars. Software controls everything from where to distribute the battery’s power to self-driving features and simpler things like the lights and radio.
The good news is that software defects don’t always require a trip to the dealer to be fixed. However, we still recommend bringing your car in whenever you experience a problem so that the dealer has a record of the repair attempt.
Some examples of EV software issues that may indicate your car is a lemon include:
- Malfunctioning infotainment system or control screens
- Sudden power loss while driving
- Glitches in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or autopilot functions
- Problems with navigation or connectivity that affect usability
- And many more
With modern EVs, recurring system crashes or safety-critical failures can make a vehicle unsafe.
Structural or Component Defects
EVs have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles. However, defects in these systems can still be significant. Some structural and component issues that may qualify your car for a claim include:
- Safety-related component defects (e.g., brakes, suspension) that impair safe driving
- Persistent hardware failures
- Manufacturing defects affecting vehicle integrity
- Faulty inverters or converters
- Steering system defects, whether mechanical or electrical
When these problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, you may qualify for a lemon law claim.
Steps To Take if You Suspect Your EV Is a Lemon
If your electric car continues to have problems after many service visits, follow these steps:
- Keep Records: Save all repair invoices, service orders, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
- Track Repairs: Note the dates and mileage for every repair attempt.
- Request Warranty Repairs: Always go through authorized service centers.
- Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Our knowledgeable lawyers can determine whether your vehicle qualifies under lemon law and handle communication with the manufacturer.
The EV lemon law process is complex, but our legal team can help you navigate it efficiently.
How Krohn & Moss Can Help
At Krohn & Moss, Ltd., our attorneys have helped thousands of consumers nationwide get compensation for defective vehicles. We handle gas and electric vehicle lemon law cases alike. We understand the unique challenges of EV ownership and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
Protect Your Rights Under Lemon Law
If your new or leased electric car spends more time in the shop than on the road, you may have a valid claim under the state or federal lemon law. You don’t have to accept ongoing repair frustration and endless mechanic bills.
Contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd., today for a free case review or fill out our online evaluation to see if your vehicle qualifies under lemon law protections.
Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights throughout the United States. With a success rate greater than 99% and 30 years of experience, we’re confident that we can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
